Where Are the Big Opportunities in 2026? Manish Sonthalia Explains on NDTV Profit

In this conversation, Our Chief Investment Officer, Mr Manish Sonthalia shares his perspective on the sectors and trends that could shape Indian markets in 2026 with ‪@NDTVProfitIndia‬'s Niraj Shah & Tamanna Inamdar. From AI-led disruption in edtech and IT services to the opportunity in BFSI, premium consumption, capital markets and wealth management. The discussion begins with how AI could reshape traditional business models, especially in edtech, where students and consumers are increasingly using AI-first tools for learning, explanations, diagrams, tests and problem-solving. Manish explains why companies will need to adapt their revenue models, customer acquisition strategies and operating leverage to stay relevant. The conversation also covers Indian IT and how AI, H-1B visa costs, offshoring, GCCs and outcome-based pricing could influence the sector. While disruption remains a risk, valuations have corrected and moderate growth may still be possible. For 2026, Manish highlights several key themes: • AI disruption across edtech and IT services • Indian IT valuations and AI-led revenue models • BFSI, banks and NBFCs as rate-sensitive opportunities • Margin expansion potential after rate cuts • Premium consumption across autos, real estate, jewellery and alcohol • Capital market businesses and wealth management opportunities • Insurance, real estate, automobiles, auto components and pharma • Why wealth management and capital-market platforms may have long-term operating leverage The discussion also explains why India’s capital market ecosystem may remain attractive over the long term, supported by rising affluence, growing demat penetration, wealth management demand and scalable, low-capital-intensity business models. 01:38 Will AI disrupt traditional business models? 02:24 Customer acquisition cost and execution risks in new-age companies 02:56 AI, H1B visas and the outlook for Indian IT in 2026 04:04 AI adoption, outcome-based pricing and IT revenue models 05:19 Why Indian IT may still be a good place in the current context 05:28 BFSI outlook: Are banks and NBFCs set for a better 2026? 06:17 Rate cuts, borrowing costs and NBFC margin expansion 08:01 Key sector themes for 2026 08:39 Premium consumption and resilient demand 09:38 Positive view on Indian markets in 2026 09:55 Rate-sensitive sectors: BFSI, insurance, real estate and autos 10:22 Capital markets theme and micro-cap opportunities 10:41 Wealth management as a long-term opportunity 12:20 Why capital-market businesses can be strong long-term models #IndianStockMarket #MarketOutlook2026 #AI #BFSI #ITStocks #NBFC #BankingStocks #PremiumConsumption #CapitalMarkets #WealthManagement #EquityInvesting #IndiaInvesting #StockMarketIndia #PortfolioStrategy #EmkayInvestmentManagers Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered investment advice. Please consult your financial adviser before making any investment decisions.